CSTO starts military drills in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is starting the first peacekeeping drills of the CSTO, entitled Indestructible Brotherhood-2012. Training will be held at the Iliysky, Shoshkala and Bereg ranges on October 8-17, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will take part in the drills. Up to 70 cars, 35 armored vehicles and four Mi-17 (Mi-8) helicopters will be mobilized.

CSTO forces will practice peacekeeping operations. According to the scenario, an international terrorist organization and interethnic tensions caused a crisis.

UN observers were invited for the drills.